How to make your fall recipes a success with seasonal squash and apples 🍏🎃
Autumn Recipes Assorted squashes Local apples Budget tips Quick ideas 🥗
Autumn: The Season of Comforting Recipes
When the weather gets cooler, there's nothing more comforting than cooking with seasonal squash and apples 🥗. Their bright colors and sweet flavors bring sunshine and vitality to your plate as the light fades. Whether you're a fan of creamy soups, gratin dishes, or melt-in-the-mouth desserts, these two fall favorites promise endless simple, economical, and delicious dishes. Plus, they're packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—perfect for boosting your energy as winter sets in!
In this article, discover original ideas for cooking butternut squash, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, or crisp apples, tips for saving time and choosing your products wisely, as well as our advice for enjoying yourself without blowing your budget. Ready to make fall dance in your kitchen? 🍂
How to enhance squash and apples in your kitchen
Squash is the chameleon ingredient of autumn: it adapts to all desires! You can roast it in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, turn it into a creamy soup, or even stuff it for a complete and delicious dish. Butternut squash, with its nutty flavor, is delicious in a gratin or even mashed for comfort food. Also try spaghetti squash, perfect as a pasta replacement in a light dish, especially if you serve it with a homemade tomato sauce and some fresh herbs.🔥
Apples are equally at home in both savory and sweet dishes. Diced in an autumn salad with young shoots, walnuts, a little blue cheese, and a honey vinaigrette, it's a treat! You can also pan-fry them with a little cinnamon to accompany poultry or a roast. For dessert, of course, they shine: homemade compote, quick crumble, or rustic tart... There's no shortage of ideas.
If you want even more inspiration, take a look at our selection on the Recipes of the Week page : every week, new easy and seasonal ideas await you!
Mix squash, apple, broth, a touch of cream, and a hint of nutmeg. Blend while piping hot with a suitable blender for an ultra-velvety texture!
Cut into large pieces, add a little oil, thyme, and bake. Add apples at the end of cooking for an irresistible sweet-savory contrast.
Apples, diced squash, and hazelnuts under a golden shortcrust pastry. Ultra-quick and adaptable to your tastes.
Roasted squash, apple wedges, arugula, walnuts, and goat cheese. A delicious change!
To vary the pleasures, also consider using your air fryer : it allows you to grill cubes of squash or apple wedges in record time, for light and tasty garnishes.
Tips for successful fall recipes 🥗🔥
- The skin of the pumpkin is edible! No need to peel it; it becomes tender when cooked and adds even more flavor.
- Save time by preparing your squash in advance: cut them, pre-cook them in steam or water, keep them cool for a few days to improvise a gratin or soup in the blink of an eye.
- Optimizes the texture : For smooth soups, invest in a good blender or food processor. The difference is amazing, especially for squash soups!
- Avoid waste : Pumpkin seeds can be roasted in a pan or oven. Add a little salt, paprika, or curry powder, and you have a healthy snack for an aperitif.
- Apple too sour? Mix several varieties in your desserts: the sweetness of a Golden will soften the acidity of a Granny Smith and rebalance your preparations.
- Crispy crust tip : For a golden squash gratin, mix breadcrumbs and crushed hazelnuts before baking. Guaranteed results!
- Fancy a barbecue even in autumn? Take advantage of the last mild days to try grilled squash on the griddle! Discover our selection of barbecue and grill dishes to extend the summer-autumn spirit.
Buying well without breaking the bank: budget, choice and conservation
Autumn is the perfect time to buy squash and apples at low prices. Keep an eye on market stalls: the variety is much greater there than in supermarkets, and local varieties are often better preserved and less expensive. If you're on a budget, choose larger squashes (butternut, butternut), which are economical and easy to cook in large quantities.
For apples, choose firm ones, without blemishes, and if possible organic or from local producers. They will keep for several weeks in a cool, dark place. Whole squash will also keep for a long time in a cellar or on a lightly heated windowsill. Once cut, wrap your squash in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator: it will keep for several days this way.
Looking to stock up on accessories for mixing, grating, or chopping your vegetables? Discover our selection of blenders and smoothie makers : they're perfect for transforming squash and apples into soups or compotes in seconds.
FAQ: All about fall squash and apple recipes
Can I prepare my meals in advance for the week?
Yes! Squash-based soups and purees keep very well in the refrigerator for several days. You can also pre-cook pieces of squash in advance and reheat them in the oven or in a pan as desired.
Which variety of squash should you choose for a gratin or soup?
Pumpkin is ideal for creamy soups thanks to its sweet flesh and thin skin. Butternut squash and butternut squash are ideal for gratins, as they hold up well to cooking and remain tender.
How to prevent squash from becoming too watery during cooking?
Preferably oven-bake: cut the squash into pieces, place them on a baking sheet, and bake uncovered. The dry heat will concentrate the flavors and limit moisture.
Any ideas for quick meals for a busy evening?
Consider an air fryer to cook squash cubes and apple wedges in less than fifteen minutes. Discover our tips and comparisons of the best air fryers to save time and preserve flavor.
Can you freeze squash and apples?
Yes! Blanch or roast your squash pieces before freezing; they'll retain their texture after thawing. For apples, cook them into compote or pan-fry them into wedges before freezing; they'll be perfect for quick desserts.
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